Morgan Stanley Investment Management (“MSIM”) today announced the establishment of its Global Balanced Risk Control (“GBaR”) team’s Asian investment arm based in Singapore, on the back of strong client demand in the region. The GBaR team, which was first formed in 2008 based in London, is part of MSIM’s broader Global Multi-Asset capability.

Andrew Harmstone, Managing Director and Senior Portfolio Manager in the Global Multi-Asset team and head of GBaR strategy, has relocated to Singapore from London to oversee the expansion of the GBaR team in Singapore and the region, effective immediately. Mr Harmstone, who joined MSIM in 2008 and brings with him over 37 years of industry experience, has led MSIM’s GBaR portfolios since 2009.

The GBaR team manages globally diversified, risk-controlled portfolios, using a top-down global asset allocation approach within a clearly-defined, risk-controlled framework, targeting an agreed level of risk. The team’s research is focused at two levels: analysing potential event risks that could impact broad market volatility, and tactical preferences between regions or sub-asset classes. In both respects, an enhanced and strong understanding of Asia is extremely valuable.

Ronald Ong, Chairman & CEO of Southeast Asia, commented, “We are pleased to welcome Andrew and his team to Singapore. This expansion underscores the global significance of the region to our Investment Management platform and clients, and reinforces the Firm’s continued commitment to building out our businesses across Southeast Asia.”

“We are incredibly excited about the launch of our first GBaR investment hub in Asia,” said Andrew Harmstone. “Our presence in Singapore is expected to boost our global strategy offerings, buoyed by the local team’s broadened understanding of the region’s dynamics, which will enable us to develop a more nuanced view of regional geopolitics, better serving our local and global clients’ needs.”

About Morgan Stanley Investment Management

Morgan Stanley Investment Management, together with its investment advisory affiliates, has more than 663 investment professionals around the world and $463 billion in assets under management or supervision as of December 31, 2018. Morgan Stanley Investment Management strives to provide outstanding long-term investment performance, service and a comprehensive suite of investment management solutions to a diverse client base, which includes governments, institutions, corporations and individuals worldwide. For further information about Morgan Stanley Investment Management, please visit www.morganstanley.com/im.